Vacuum & Extreme Environment Stepper Products

Vacuum and Extreme Environment Stepper motors

Vacuum and Extreme Environment Stepper motors are specialized types of stepper motors designed to operate in harsh environments where other types of motors may not be suitable due to their vulnerability to environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, radiation, or vacuum.

Vacuum Stepper motors are specifically designed to operate in high vacuum conditions where standard motors cannot function due to the absence of air, which can lead to arcing and contamination of surfaces. These motors are often used in space missions, semiconductor manufacturing, and other vacuum-based applications.

Extreme Environment Stepper motors, on the other hand, are designed to operate in environments with extreme temperatures, pressures, or radiation levels that would damage conventional motors. They are commonly used in nuclear power plants, oil and gas refineries, and other industrial applications.

Advantages of Vacuum and Extreme Environment Stepper motors:

1. High reliability: These motors are built to withstand harsh conditions and have a longer lifespan compared to standard motors.
2. Precise control: Stepper motors provide precise control over speed and position, making them ideal for applications that require accuracy and repeatability.
3. Low maintenance: Due to their rugged design and lack of wear-prone components, these motors require minimal maintenance.

Applications of Vacuum and Extreme Environment Stepper motors:

1. Space exploration: Vacuum stepper motors are used in space probes, satellites, and other spacecraft that operate in a high vacuum environment.
2. Semiconductor manufacturing: Vacuum stepper motors are used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment to move wafers and other delicate materials.
3. Oil and gas refineries: Extreme environment stepper motors are used in oil and gas refineries to operate valves, pumps, and other equipment in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is the difference between a standard stepper motor and a vacuum stepper motor?

A vacuum stepper motor is specifically designed to operate in a high vacuum environment where a standard stepper motor would fail due to arcing and contamination of surfaces.

2. Can vacuum stepper motors be used in a non-vacuum environment?

Yes, vacuum stepper motors can be used in a non-vacuum environment, but their performance may be affected by the presence of air.

3. What is the temperature range for extreme environment stepper motors?

The temperature range for extreme environment stepper motors can vary depending on the specific motor and application, but they are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 200°C.

4. Can extreme environment stepper motors be used in high-radiation environments?

Yes, some extreme environment stepper motors are designed to operate in high-radiation environments, such as nuclear power plants, where standard motors would be damaged.

Mclennan stock and supply a variety of High torque, highly precise Hybrid vacuum and extreme condition stepper motors, from our principal supplier Phytron. The sizes range from as small as 19mm up to the larger 126mm. These are available in high vacuum, Ultra high vacuum and Cryogenic and Space motors. All motors are completely customisable; including rear shafts, dual redundancy windings, radiation hardening, resolver feedback, thermocouples, and much more. All motors can be supplied and driven with a range of drives and controllers available from stock.

If you are interested or would like any help in choosing the right Vacuum motor for your application, please pick up the phone or email us and we will be happy to help!